contentsandrew! (lionel and i as well) when the board chose to ... ms. lintz even goes on to assert...
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Twin Cities Chapter
The mission of HLAA TC is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.
Contents President’s Message Page 2 January Meeting Events Page 3 Auction Reminder Page 4 Visit to Paisley Park Page 5 Musings on a Winter Day Page 6 Defining Diversity Page 7 Nutcracker – Sweet? Page 8 Calendar and Miscellany Pages 9-10
Officers’ emails
Christine Morgan - [email protected] Kathleen Marin [email protected]
Lionel Locke - [email protected] Marie Saliterman - [email protected]
HLAA TC Website - Minnesota
www.hlaatc.org
HLAA TC telephone 763-447-9672
Contact Information - Minnesota
HLAA National - Maryland
www.hearingloss.org
Next Speaker:
January 21, 2017 Legislative Update – office of Mary Hartnett Meeting also Includes:
Holiday pot luck
White Elephant exchange
Silent Auction (rescheduled from December)
February 18, 2017 Kristin Swan, Health Partners Behavioral Health on Hearing
Loss and Relationships
(rescheduled from December)
Hearing Loss Association of America Twin Cities Chapter (HLAA TC) is held the 3rd
Saturday of the month (September thru May). We gather at 9:30 to socialize, and
begin our meeting at 10 AM at The Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, 3915
Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55442. The meeting adjourns at noon.
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President’s Message
loss and relationships. Sara Oberg was gracious about rescheduling to March and our tonal distortion presentation was moved to September. Thanks Andrew!
I know 2016 was a challenging year for many of us. Some of us were and are under tremendous stress. Let’s lift our chins up and optimistically face 2017 with a positive outlook. Hey, it can’t hurt! I hope you will continue to support our chapter and each other in the year ahead. If we can do a better job of it, please let one of our Board members know. We truly care! Peace and Good Health! Christine
Christine Morgan
January 2017 Well, here we are: 2017 I know there were a lot of disappointed people (Lionel and I as well) when the Board chose to cancel the December meeting with all the fun activities. We (the Board) made the decision based on our desire to ensure everyone’s safety. Mother Nature sure caused us a lot of extra work. Hopefully, we never have to cancel again but in the event we do, here is what did and will happen: we will send out an e-mail blast to our e-mail list, we will call those who do not have e-mail, we will post it on the first page of our website, and it will be on the cancellation list with WCCO and Kare11. We use every means we have (other than smoke signals) to get the message to you. From what I understand, this was probably the first time a meeting was cancelled due to weather. Now the good news: we know those cookies are stale by now, so no cookie exchange. We will, however, have our white elephant gift exchange, our potluck and our silent auction. This will be considered our “Welcome to the New Year Party”. Our guest speaker will be Mary Hartnett or someone from her office giving us a legislative update. I juggled speakers around a bit to bring Kristen Swan in February to present on hearing
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January 21 -- Don’t Forget!
Legislative Update
Pot Luck lunch
Silent Auction
White Elephant gift exchange
Riddle for the day: What Kind of aids do fish wear? (Answer on page 10)
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The Auction is still on!
January 21, 2017
Our Board and Chapter members have obtained an amazing array of donations. Some are from
individuals and others are from different organizations and establishments.
Here is a sample of what we have received so far (with more to come as we get closer to the
date):
Gift certificates from the Guthrie, Mixed Blood and History Theatres; a gift certificate from
Patrick McGovern’s Pub in St. Paul, a Curling Session (from our own Curling Coach) for 2-4
people, tickets from Carmike Oakdale, St. Paul Omnitheater………….. just to name a few. It
promises to be a lot of fun and with a frenzy of bidding.
SPECIFICS: Cash or check accepted. Unfortunately, we are unable to take credit or debit
cards. You do not have to be present to win but, of course, once you leave, someone could outbid
you. The auction will close at 11:30 a.m. and winners can pay and pick up their treasures at that
time. If the winner is not present, the Board will make arrangements for payment and delivery
shortly after the meeting.
So be sure to check out the items. You may come home with a bargain. At the same time, you
are supporting your Chapter.
Christine
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A Visit to Paisley Park
Kathleen Marin
My friend and I toured Paisley Park not long ago. It was an awesome experience, and not just because it was
Prince’s home. They did everything possible to accommodate my hearing loss, and were warm and gracious
the whole time. That is not always my experience. Because my friend made the reservations, she did not
request accommodations for me. I took my own assistive listening device (ALD), as I always do when I go on
tours.
The security guard in the parking lot who checked our tickets told us that we were too early and that we had
to wait 15 minutes before going in. When we explained that I needed to set up accommodations for hearing
loss, he had us enter the building immediately. Once there, the first security person contacted the
appropriate people. The head of security had me demonstrate my ALD so he knew I was not actually trying
to record anything. Meanwhile, another associate watched to learn how it worked. That person then
tracked down the woman who would be our guide so that she and I could meet briefly and go over what I
needed and how to use the ALD. During the tour, she even pointed out things that she (accurately) assumed
I could not hear, like the cooing of Prince’s pet birds. The security guards and associates were personable
and friendly. The head guy even told me anecdotes about his time working for Prince and showed me
pictures of his children when they all went on tour with Prince.
I emailed Paisley Park to thank them for a wonderful time and to ask about ALDs. (Yes, I am always
advocating for people with hearing loss!) They responded by saying that they have ALDs but have only used
them a few times. No information was provided about whether they have loops, headsets or both, even
though I asked about it. I suggest that if you go, you email Paisley Park to find out if they have loops (I used
the email for groups) and take your own ALD or loop. Also, be sure to tell each person at each security
check what you need, including trying your loop in their ALD if they only have headsets. Be prepared to be
treated well and to have a great day.
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Musings on a Winter Day!
Christine T. Morgan
Those of us old enough probably remember Art Linkletter’s show “Kids Say the Darndest Things” on our TVs in what our 5 ½ (she won’t let us forget the ½) granddaughter considers the “olden days”. All parents and grandparents know that their children and grandchildren are the smartest and cutest. Right? As I was listening to Fiona recently, I was thinking what if we shared our children/grandchildren comments regarding our hearing loss. Some are really funny, some cute, some insightful, etc. Because she has spent so much time with us prior to this, her kindergarten year, she is well versed in my hearing loss. Fiona says she can hear my processors beeping because she loves to change the batteries for me. She puts them in proficiently, closes it correctly, and when I put it back on my head, she says “hello” into it with a satisfied smile. I was tucking her into bed about a month ago and she very sweetly and seriously said “Grandma, sometimes I say something and you think I said something else. It’s because your ears are broken.” True but ouch! Just this week, we were taking her to a restaurant that she loves and as Lionel was looking for a parking space, he commented that he thought the space open was a handicapped one. From her car seat, Fiona piped up: “That’s ok, Grandma’s handicapped, she has hearing aids.” I spent a few minutes explaining the difference between handicapped and a disability to this very precocious child. We’d love to hear your funny, touching, thought provoking hearing loss comments from a child’s perspective. You can e-mail them to me or to Vicki, our editor. We are hoping you will share!
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Including Disabilities in Diversity
Christine T. Morgan
According to a recent article by Janice Lintz in the Huffington Post, disabilities are
usually forgotten in any mention of diversity. According to her, if other protected
classes such as gender, race, religion or sexual orientation were omitted, people
would be up in arms. Even the Newsmuseum in Washington, D.C. has a section on
civil rights in the media and does not include disabilities, even after it was brought to
their attention. Museums across the country overlook those with disabilities
according to Ms. Lintz.
When people with disabilities are included, it is usually those with a disability that is
visible, such as someone with crutches, a service dog, wheelchair or someone who is
using ASL. When even these are included, it is usually an actor or actress who
portrays someone with a disability. Of course, those of us with invisible disabilities
(such as hearing loss, mental disabilities and certain medical conditions) are not
included.
Ms. Lintz even goes on to assert that New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a
supposed champion of people with hearing loss, omitted people with disabilities
when he issued a press release to stand up against hate crimes. According to the
article, crimes again people with disabilities are underreported.
Ms. Lintz concludes her article with “The ‘D’ in diversity should be a reminder that it
also stands for disabilities, and it is time to include them.”
Food for thought…
D
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The Nutcracker – Not so Suite Or
Not so Sweet!!!!
Christine T. Morgan
I have heard about the Nutcracker – Not so Suite for a couple of years. It sounded interesting
and I have never been to the Cowles Center on Hennepin.
I called to be ask what they had for ALDs and explained that I had 2 cochlear implants. The
helpful person assured me that they had neck loop assistive listening devices. GREAT! If I
can’t have captioning, that is the second best situation for me. I ordered 2 tickets.
We got downtown Minneapolis on a cold, blustery evening (no Valet Parking available) and
paid our $12 to park. When we went up to the desk, I asked for my ALD. The young woman
went to the back and came back to tell me they were putting fresh batteries in it and she
would bring it out.
She came out with something that resembled rabbit ears for TV! Really! I patiently explained
that that type of device would not work with hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. She
explained that that was all they had. The sound man just happened to be walking by and said
that was it. He also said the sound in the theater was louder than what you get with their
ALD. UGH!
After a bit more discussion, the young woman stated that she would refund our money. She
encouraged us to go into the theater to see the show anyway. The actual show was amazing.
The choreography, costumes, and actors were terrific. The dialogue? What little I
understood was amusing but when you only comprehend about 1/3 of what is being said, you
lose the gist of it. It is a musical but what the words being sung were, I often had no idea.
As of this writing, I am pursuing bringing to their attention that they a not ADA compliant. I
am seeking the help of Jon Skaalen at this point in order to make a stronger statement. Stay
tuned for further developments.
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New community education offerings Christine, Lionel and Kathleen are at it again! Helping the world find out about hearing loss, this time in community centers
around the metro. Numerous sessions are scheduled at various locations. Those scheduled for January and February 2017 are
listed below:
Help! My Partner has Hearing Loss
Hopkins Community Education - Eisenhower Community Center 952-988-4070 www.lHopkinsCommunityEd.org
January 18, 2007 6-7:30 PM
February 3, 2017 10-11:30 AM
Identifying and Coping with Hearing Loss - Christine - Wed, Feb 8 6-7:30 pm (Hopkins – see above)
I’ve Been Diagnosed With Hearing Loss!
Rosemount /Apple Valley/Eagan Community Education 651-423-7925 www.district196.org/ce
January 25, 2017 6-7:30 PM
February 10, 2017 10-11:30 AM
February 15, 2017 6-7:30 PM
Registration is required. Fees apply
Med El is going to have Hands-On Workshops
after our regular meetings (12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.) on the following months:
February 2017 April 2017
September 2017 November 2017
Adult Cochlear Implant Social Group
Sunday, January 29, 2017
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Golden Valley Library
830 Winnetka Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55427
612-543-6375
Host: Mary Ann Thompson
The gathering will be held in the meeting room. You are welcome to bring a spouse, partner, friend,
family member, and/or significant other to any of these events! If you would like to bring a refreshment
to share that would be wonderful!
=-)
A Capitol Loop!
From the Pioneer Press Sunday January 1, 2017:
“This is the people’s house,” said Matt Massman, commissioner of the state’s Department of Administration. “One of the really important aspects of the project … is that it will have a lot more public space.”… The building also features a new information center operated by the Historical Society, and a dedicated classroom for the 1,300 student groups that tour the Capitol each year. Many rooms have been outfitted with ramps to make them more accessible, and Hearing Loop technology has been installed in others so people with hearing aids can connect them wirelessly to the sound system.”
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Answer to riddle on page 3: HERRING AIDS!
-- By Yvain Martin
Pioneer Press 1/3/17 A go-to company for gadgets By Richard Chin [email protected] Here are a few gadgets we might see in the near future: A where-did-Iput- my-teeth smartphone app to locate dentures equipped with special antennas. A hands-free car wash for your teeth. A robotic toenail trimmer. The projects are being conducted by Advanced Space and Technology Research Labs, a six-person aerospace research and development company run out of a former singlefamily home north of St. Paul… They’re working on a project that aims to solve a problem that has long vexed older dental patients: Where did my dentures go? Dentures frequently go missing in long-term care facilities housing people with dementia, according to Shuman. The false teeth get wrapped up in napkins at meals and tossed in the trash, or they end up in the laundry or mistakenly are taken by a patient wandering into the wrong room. It has since become standard practice to put an identifying label on dentures to keep them from getting mixed up…But that still hasn’t solved the problem of dentures getting lost and accidentally thrown away. When that happens, the cost to replace the dentures can run up to $3,000 or more… “This has been rolling around in my head for 30 years,” Shuman said of the problem of lost dentures. “If you can find a satellite in outer space, you should be able to find a denture in a nursing home.”
Sound like a good idea? Now try substituting “hearing aids” for “dentures”!
FYI – interesting link
Performance analysis of ten brands of batteries for hearing aids
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4423287
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HLAA-TC would like to thank our
professional members for their support.
We appreciate your doing business with our advertisers. However, we cannot endorse any particular
individual or business that advertises in this newsletter.
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HLAA TC
PO Box 8037
Minneapolis, MN 55408-0037
Our next meeting is January 21, 2017
First Class
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Mail to: HLAA Twin Cities Chapter
PO Box 8037
Minneapolis, MN 55408-0037
Welcomes You!
President - Christine Morgan - [email protected]
Vice President – Kathleen Marin
Secretary – Lionel Locke
Treasurer – Marie Saliterman
Contact Info. - [email protected]
Photos – Kathleen Marin
Newsletter Editor -
Vicki Martin, [email protected]
This month’s editor is Vicki Martin Meetings are held the 3rd Saturday of the month September through May at the Courage Kenny
Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley, MN. We gather at 9:30 to socialize and the meeting starts at 10
AM. All meetings are real time captioned by Lisa Richardson and her staff of Paradigm Captioning
(www.paradigmreporting.com).
Please visit the chapter’s web-site at www.hlaatc.org or visit us on Facebook: groups/HLAA-TC.